Control device and the production thereof



Dec. 14, 1937. C, vk/DANN CONTROLDEVICE AND THE PRODUCTION THEREOF s sheets-sheet 1 Filed 'April 28, 1934 Dec. 14, 1937'.

C. W. DANN CONTRQL DEVICE AND THE PRODUCTION THEREOF Filed April 28, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 inventor Dec. 14, 1937. c. w. DANN CONTROL DEVICE AND THE PRODUCTION THEREOF Filed April 28, 1934 3 'Sheets-Sheet 5 w m M Y w m M ki /N VEA/TOR Char/es (U. Dann illllglm A TTORNEY ment of the switching structure of a control device while disposed within, a sealed container.

Other and further objects of my invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the preferred embodiments and methods about to be described, or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not specicaliy referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon the employment of my invention in practice.

In order that my invention may be more clearly understood, preferred embodiments have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and are shown in the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification, and in which:

Figi is an elevation, partly in section, of one form of a control device in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevation, partly in section, of the control device shown in Fig. l, looking from. the left of the latter gure;

Fig. 3 is a section on line 3 3 of Fig. l;

ligAJ is a section on line l--l of Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a section on line 5--5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5A. is an enlarged sectional view, talren online 5ft- 5A oi Fig. 2, illustrating the structure by which the locking member of the control device shown in Figs. 1 3 is held open prior to the adjustment and setting of such device;

Fig. 6 is an elevation, partly in section and partly broken away, illustrating a modied form of control device embodying features of my invention;

Fig. 7 is an elevational and partly brolren away,

view, partly in section of the control device of Fig. 6, showing the changed positions of certain elements thereof after adjustment and setting of the device;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on line @-9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a fragmental elevation, partly in section, of the control device shown in Fig. 7 as viewed from line l-l@ thereof;

taken on line l-il of.

Fig. l1 is a fragmental elevation, partly in section, illustrating another modified form of control device embodying features of my invention;

Fig. 12 is a fragmental elevation, partly in section, of the control device shown in Fig. 11 as viewed from the left of the latter figure;

Fig. 13 is a fragmental elevation, partly in section, of the control device illustrated in Fig. 11, with the locking o-r setting member held released by the magnet shown;

Fig. 14 is a fragmental elevation, partly in section, showing another modified form of control device embodying features of my invention, together with a device for effecting the setting of the switching structure after the sealing of the container;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken on line l5l5 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a fragmental elevation, partly in section, of the control device illustrated in Fig. 14, with the locking member shown in operative position; i

Fig. 17 is an elevational View, partly in section and partly broken away, of lanother modified form of control device embodying features of my invention;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken on line l-ld of Fig. 17',

arcano? Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken on line lit-13S of Fig. lll;

Fig. 20 is a fragmental view taken on line 2Enl-2@ y of Fig. 17;

Fig. 21 is a view of the upper portion of the control device shown in Fig. 17 and illustrating certain adjusting means associated with such device;

Fig. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view, partly in elevation, of still another modified form of control device embodying ieatures of my invention;

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary side elevation of the switching structure shown in Fig. 22, with a portion of the container for such structure shown in cross section;

Fig. 24. is a sectional view talten on line 2li- 2d of Fig. 22;

Filg. 25 is a sectional view taken on line of Fig. 22;

` Fig. 26 is a sectional view taken of Fig. 22; and

Fig. 2'! is a top plan view ci a portion oi the switching structure shown in Fig. 22.

For the purpose of more clearly illustrating various features ci my invention, the structures are shown in Figs. l to 27 inclusive as considerably enlarged.

Fig. 28 is a circuit which may be used to facilitate the adjustment and locking or setting ci certain forms of my improved control device, and which is particularly adapted to be employed in locking the control device illustrated in Figs. 6 tov lll inclusive; and

Fig. 29 is a diagrammatic view showing another electrical circuit which l". may use in adjusting and locking or setting certain forms of my control device, and which is particularly adapted to be employed in loclsing the controlk device shown in Figs. 1 to 5A inclusive.

Referring to the drawings, and for the present more particularly to the form of control device illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5A, reference character lll represents a hermetically sealed container, preferably though not necessarily formed of glass, having lead wires il, l2, and i3 sealed in and extending through the base id thereof. internally of the container, thevlead wire il is connected with a broad fiat band i5 which is substantially U-shaped in cross section and is formed oi sutable electrical and thermal conductive material such as copper, for example. The band l5 is so shaped and so disposed in the container iQ, that the greater portion of the outer lateral surface thereof will closely conform to the inner surface of the container (see Fig. 5). A spring member i6 also preferably formed of electrical and thermal conductive material and of substantially the same form as band l5, is disposed within the latter so as to press the same against the inner lateral surface of the container ld, to thereby frlctionally maintain the band and the structures supported thereon in proper position within the container, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The lead wire ll also assists to some extent, in maintaining the band l5 and other elements of the switching structure wardly extending and substantially U-shaped member it formed of thermo-sensitive material, such as a bi-metallic element, for example, has one leg i9 secured to the spring i6 in a manner presently to be described. An upwardly .extendlng and substantially inverted U-shaped member 2i having its legs 22 and 23, joined together at their lower extremities, is also connected to the on line in suchposition. A downlis supported in the position shown by the frictional engagement of the band l with the inner lateral surface of the container lo under the action of spring l5 and by the lead l l.

rlhe upper portions of the legs 22 and 23 of member 2l are respectively provided with aligned openings 8 and 9 in which is freely supported a contact stud or pin 25provided with a slightly enlarged head having a suitable contact face 2d Connected to the leg of the heat sensitive member it, as by rivets 2l, is a contact carrying member 28 formed oi readily yieldable metallic material, such as weak spring steel, for example, and to the extreme upper end of leg 20 is secured a. nib or button 29, the arrangement being such that as the member i8 dellects when subjected to certain temperatures the nib 29 may cooperate with the spring member 28 to cause a corresponding displacement thereof. Secured to the upper end of spring member 28, but electrically insulated therefrom, as by mica bushings il@ and 3l, is a contact stud 32 having the Contact face 33 which is thus supported in alignment with contact face 26. Secured to the outer end of stud 32 is a strip of easily exed and electrically conducting material 34, the lower end 0f which is connected to lead I3 at 35. lt should -be noted that stud 32 is supported by spring member 28 and not by member 34, and that the latter member is not electrically connected with member Eil.

As stated above, the contact stud is freely movable within certain obviously fixed limits, in the openings 8 and 9 in U-shaped member ill.

Therefore, if the container l0 is properly positioned, the contact stud 25 may by its own weight be maintained in contact with contact stud 32.

I provide novel means and methods about to bey described, for adjusting and setting or locking stud 25 with respect to member 2| and in desired relation with respect to contact stud 32.

A strong and substantially U-shaped spring locking member 36 is supported in such position between the legs of the U-shaped member 2l as by having the leg 38 thereof firmly clamped between the legs 22 and 23 of member 2l, (see Fig. l), that the leg 31 thereof is biased, under the inherent resiliency of the locking member, to engage and press upwardly (referring to Figs. 1 3) against the stud 25 to set or lock the latter. Prior to adjustment of the control device and locking of the stud 25,; however, the leg 3l of member 36 is held from engagement with said stud 25 by a comparatively ne high resistance wire 39 which is looped about the leg 3l and twisted around an insulator 4o secured to the other leg 38 of member 36. The ends of Wire 39 extend slightly below insulator tu and are connected together and to a comparatively low reslstance wire ill, as by twisting (see Figs, l, 2, and 5A). The wire 4| is connected with the lead l2 which extends through the container base l@ and is also looped about the insulator All.

In adjusting and setting the control device to make or break (as the case may be) the circuit leads li and i3, upon the eg of the thermosensitive member reaching a predetermined temperature and position, I prerer to proceed as follows:

With the stud 25 free to move in openings S and il, l place the container l@ horizontally on its right hand side, referring to Fig. l. En this position of the container contact stud is free to move to follow contact stud either by virtue of its own weight acting in one direction, or by virtue of the influence of spring 28 acting in the other direction. The sealed container is then placed in a suitable thermal bath or calorimeter provided with a thermometer. The temperature of the thermal bath is brought to and maintained at the desired predetermined temperature for which the control device is to be adjusted, so that thermosensitive member i8 will reach the same temperature. When this occurs and the action of the thermo-sensitive member i8 has stabilized, the lead wires il and l2 are connected with a source oi electric energy sucient to fuse the high resistance linlr 39, whereupon the leg 3l' of spring 3d is released, as indicated in Fig. 3, and forces the stud 25 against the walls of the openings il and 6 to thereby loclr stud 25 in fixed position in its mounting. lf spring 36 is sufficiently strong, no further securing of the stud $25 is necessary. However, it will be obvious that if desired the walls of the openings 8 and 3 may be roughened, serrated or sharpened, and that the shank of stud 25 may be coated with or made of some comparatively soft and electrically conductive material such as copper or silver, for example, so that the stud will be more securely locked by engagement of its shank with the walls of openings E and 9. After the control device is thus adjusted and locked, so as to operate at the desired predetermined temperature, the lead wire l2 has no further function and may, if desired, be broken oi outside the container lli. The circuit of the current which fuses the link Sil is as follows:

From lead l2 through conductor 4i, fusible wire or link 3S, legs 3l' and 38, U-shaped member 2|, spring ill, leg i9 of the thermo-sensitive member I8, and member i5 to the lead wire Il. The path of the electrical circuit of the device after the fusing of link 39 is as follows:

From lead i3 through iiexible member 3d, stud 32, stud 25 (if the contact members are closed), member 2l, spring i6, leg it of member i8, and member l5 to the lead wire i l.

In the form of control device shown in Figs. 6 to l0, lead wires 5il and 5i enter an hermetically sealed container 52 through the base 53 thereof. Disposed within the container 52 is a substantially U-shaped supporting bracket 55 the legs 56 and 5l of which have their outer extremities continguous and conforming to the inner lateral surface of the container. The legs 56 and 5l are respectively provided with aligned openings 58 and 59 in which is freely mounted a contact member or rod 6B provided with a suitable inclined or biased contact face tl adapted to cooperate with contact ill for purposes of adjustment and for melting contact. A conductive locking member formed of a comparatively strong spring material, is secured to the base ci the U-shaped member 55, is electrically insulated therefrom by an insulator i3, and is provided with a slightly outwardly projecting sharp upper end portion 63 'which is biased under the inherent resiliency of member 62, to engage and press outwardlv on the contact member 6l. A thermosensitive member is secured to the base of bracket 55, at the sidev thereof opposite that which is adjacent member 52, and is electrically insulated from the bracket by an insulation strip 5l?. Member 55 extends upwardly and away from bracket 55 (see Fig. 6) and carries a suitable contact member or nib 58 adapted to engage and disengage the face 5l of contact member 55 under certain conditions. A supporting spring member 59 is positioned with a lower portion thereof in engagement with member 55, and with the upper portion thereof curving outwardly and upwardly and biased under its own resiliency, to a position in which it frlctionally engages the inner lateral surface of container 52 substantially diametrically opposite the engagement thereof. by legs 5S and 5l of bracket 55. It will thus be apparent that member 59 acts, in cooperation with the leads 55 and 5l, which are respectively connected to members 69 and lll, to support bracket 55 and the parts carried thereby in the position shown., Spring member 59 is separated and insulated from an electrically conductive plate 'l5 by an insulation strip l l. Locking member 52, insulating strips T13 and 5l, thermo-sensitive member 65, supporting member 59, insulating strip ll and plate lll are firmly secured to bracket 55m the positions shown in Figs. 6 and '7, as by rivets l2. rThe insulating strips 5l, ll and i3 also, in effect, serve as bushings to prevent electrical contact between rivets 'l2 and elements 55, 55, and 59 where the rivets pass therethrough, as the openings provided in such elements for said rivets are enlarged and said insulating strips extend across said openings (see Fig. 7).

Before sealing the switching assembly just described in the container 52, the end portion 53 of the spring locking member 62 is secured in the position shown in Fig. 5 by an element ll consisting of a short ribbon or wire of comparatively high electrical resistance material and constituting a fusible link. The ends of fusible link ll may be respectively suitably secured, as by spot welding, to member 52 and bracket 55.

The adjustment and setting of the control device just described so that it will operate at a predetermined temperature, may be effected in the following manner:

The container 52 may be vertically disposed in' a suitable setting bath or calorimeter of proper temperature, in which position of the container the contact member 5l), under its own weight, will tend to move downwardly in the openings 58 and 59 until its biased contact surface 5I engages contact nib 68, and thus eifect relative adjustment of the point of contact between contacts 5l and 55. The container 52 may, however, be `disposed in the setting bath with its longitudinal axis at such an inclination that the contact member 60 will still move (but not quite so readily) in openings 58 and 59 under its own weight; or the con- .tainer may be so inclined in the bath that the contact member 50 will not under the inuence of its weight alone, move downwardly in openings 58 and 59. In either of the latter two cases, the sliding movement of the contact member 60 may, if desired, be accentuated or initiated by gently vibrating the wall of container 52, as by an electric buzzer, or otherwise. Ii the container 52 is placed in the bath in such a position that theA contact member 50 will move very freely under the action of gravity, the weight of such contact member combined with the action of the inclined surface 6l on nib 68 may eiect arcaica a slight deiiection of the thermo-sensitive member 55 from its proper and normal contact position with respect to the surface 5l at the predetermined temperature; rlfherefore 1 prefer to adjust the control device by disposing the same in the setting bath in one of the inclined positions above described rather than in the vertical position.

When a control device of the character just described is immersed in a setting bath, the relationship between the bath temperature and the temperature of the thermo-sensitive member should preferably be such, that the thermosensitive member 55, during the adjusting action, will be deflected away from the opposing Contact face 5 i. If the control device is designed to break a circuit under arising temperature, then the temperature of the thermo-sensitive member 55 should be lower than the bath temrature at the time the control device is placed in the bath, and l the temperature of the bath should then be raised to the predetermined temperature. 1f the control device is designed to break a circuit under a falling temperature, then the temperature of the thermo-sensitive member should be higher than the bath temperature at the time the control device is inserted in the bath, and the temperature of the bath should then be lowered to the desired or predetermined temperature.

As the contact nib 68, during immersing of the device in the bath, is deected away from the contact surface 5l, contact member Bil moves downwardly in openings 58 and 59, this constantly maintaining contact between nib 58 and surface 5l. When the predetermined temperature to which the control device is to be adjusted, has been reached, and the deection of the thermosensitive member 55 has stabilized, a suitable source of current is connected in circuitwith yleads 59 and 5l, and there is passed through the circuit a current of cuiiicient strength to fuse the link ll, whereupon locking member 52 will be released and the sharp end portion 55 thereof will spring into hrm engagement with Contact member 6U (see Fig. 7) so as to securely lock f or set the latter against further movement. lf desired, the inner surface 'i8 of contact member t0 may be coated, with a. comparatively soft conductive material, such as copper, silver or a suitable metal foil, to obtain a more positive locking of member 50. The path of the current for fusing link 'il is as follows:

From lead 55 through spring 59, thermo V`sensitive member 56, nib 58, contact face 6I, contact member 50, bracket 55, fusible link il, locking -member 52, rivets l2 and plate to lead 5l.

Upon the fusing of link 'il and the locking or setting of the control device, the path of the electric circuit when the contacts are closed, is as follows: From lead 5G through spring 59, thermosensitive member 65, nib 58, contact face 6l, contact member 6D, locking member 62, rivets 'l2 and plate 'l0 to lead 5I.

The general structural features of the modied form of control device shown in Figs. 11, i2, and 13 are, in many respects, similar to those of the device shown in Figs. 1 to 5A, and Where appropriate, the parts of this modification will therefore be designated by the same reference characters as are employed for corresponding parts of the form shown in Figs. 1 to 5A. In this modicatiorn, the contact stud 25 is freely mounted in openings 8 and 9 provided in the legs 22 and 23 of a U-shaped member, and the locking spring member 35 is clamped in the position shown in no, un

lillg. 1l, between legs 222 and 23 in the same manI ner as in tbe control device shown in Figs. l to A. Prior to adjustment oi the control device, however, the leg 3l of member 3o isheld from engagement with stud 2li by tbe latch il@ of a latch member lli, in tlie position shown in Fig. il. Latch t@ and latch member lli are integrally `formed of magnetic material, and said member is provided with an opening il?? which is slightly larger in diameter than stud and through which the outer end portion oi said stud passes. The member di, at its lower end, is secured to and supported by an easily flexed member 83, which may be formed of weak resilient material, and which is secured by tbe rivets Ell to the as sernbly comprising the thermo-sensitive :member i3, band i5 and spring lb, the whole switching structure or assembly being supported within the container il in the saine manner as in the control device shown in Figs. l to 5A.

In adjusting and setting the control device last described, l proceed in the same manner as loeretoiore described in respect of the device shown in Figs. l to 5A, except that aiter the adjustment has been made, the contact stud is locked in the desired position for the device to operate at a predetermined temperature by placing a powerful magnet, indicated at @El (see Fig. i3) contiguous the outer wall or container i@ adjacent to the upper end oi member Si, whereupon the member 8i and laten il@ will under the influence ci the magnet be withdrawn from engagement with the spring leg 3l, and at the saine time member @il will be flexed. Thereupon the strong spring leg il will engage contact stud and securely lock the saine in position. li desired the same precautions to insure positive locking oi stud may be taken as are heretofore described in respect oi the device shown in Figs. l to 5A.

Upon adjustment and locking oi the contact stud 25 in the desired position as just described, the path oi the electric circuit through title control device will be as follows:

From lead i3, through conductor tl, contact stud 32, contact stud 25, legs 22 and 23, spring it, thermosensitive member itl, and band l5 lead il.

The general structural features of the modliied :form of control device shown in Figs. lll, l5, 16, and 19, the device shown in Figs. 6 to' ib, and accordingly certain parts of such modification will be designated by the same reference characters as used for like parts of the form shown in Figs. 6 to i0.

In the said modiiication leg oi the bracket is provided with a depending arm 9b having an offset end portion @i which is adapted to engage the inner wall surface of the container 52, and spring te pressesbracket outwardly so as to maintain the ends of the leg and of the offset portion ill in iirm frictional engagement with said inner wall surface, and coacts with the leads E@ and Fil to support the entire switching assembly properly positioned within the container 52, as shown in Fig. lll. Secured to the arm il@ ls a strong spring locking member 92 having a sharpened end Q3 which is normally biased by the resiliency of said member to engage contact mem-z ber Sli having the inclined or biased contact tace or surface Si, Secured to the lower end portion of locking member 92 and disposed between the same and the inner wall surface of the container 52, is a member 98 formed of magnetic material and having its lower end adjacent leg 5l of are in many respects similar to those oi bracket an shaped member a ve= duced portion @l is disposed `for free niovernei an opening Sl provided in the leg 5l', the arrangement being suon (as clearly shown lFigs. le, l5, and i9) that when the member is slid upwardly in the opening against its own weight, tbe upper portion thereof will be adapted to engage the lower portion oi member Eni, but when sucio. member is allowed to assume its normal posiu tion under the action of gravity it will be clear ot member Qd. When member is slid upwardly into engagement witii member Sil it will be held in this position under tbe resiliency of member Q2, until member @il is withdrawn troni such engagement, and spring locking member thereby be maintained out oi engagement tnt; contact member lill so the latter will be reely movable in the openii s and respactivelyQ provided in bracket arms and Before sealing the control device structtne in tlie container 52, tbe member is set in en gagernent with member as above described, and as indicated il 'g. ifi, so as to bold locking nient bei1 92 away from Contact member dll. W adjustment oi tlie control device to operate at a predetermined temperature in the manner here@ inbeiore described in respect oi the device shown in d to Sill, a powerful magnet, indicated QQ, is placed contiguous tile cuter wail surface of container and adjacent to magnetic member while said container is held in vertical or clined position. Thereupon member @il is i toward the magnet against tbe action o'f tbe spring locking member and pressure is drawn from member winch 'will tl'ien dro n the opening ol to the position shown in F Magnet El@ is then removed from tbe vicinity container whereupon spring'mernber Q2, under its inherent resiliency, assumes a position ln which its sharpened end 93 engages contact meinn ber tinus locking or setting the latter in e le justed position. li desired, the llace oi` conteo!l member oli is engaged by tbe end Q3 oi member be faced with some comparatively soit material, such as copper, silver or foil, as described above in respect of tbe structure show'y in 6 to lil.

lne device last described aiter being once ad justed and' set, may be conditioned for turtiier adjustment and setting merely by employing magnet QQ to v thdraw 'ncmlcer and spring loclrinel member Q2 from the position shown in 16 and then inverting the container end for end so that member will slide under the action or gravity, to a position in which it is adapted to be engaged by member QC when the magnet is ree moved, Thus, as exemplied in this modification, a control device in accordance wi li my invention, may be adjusted ane et to operate at a predator= mined temperature and either before or after use, may be repeatedly readjusted and set without die turblng the seal of the container thereof.

'in the control device shown in Figs. li, lil, and i9, the pat'n or tbe electric circuit after set= ting, is as follows:

From lead 5@ through spring GQ, tiiernioesens? tive member 6G, contact 68, contact face Gi, contact member Gil, bracket 55, rivets l2, and cone ductive plate il@ to lead di. 'it is to be noted plate l@ is insulated irorn sprig1 GQ thermo-sensitive member GG by member lill, and that member Sli is insulated trom bracket by member til. Rivets it? are also insulated from which event the rod would spring 39 and member 63 by reason of the enlarged openings in such members through which the rivets extend, and by the portions of insulating members which extend partly across such openings and which in effect serve as bushings for the rivets.

In the control device shown in Figs. 17, 18, 20, and 21, as in the form last described, the construction is such that adjustment and locking of the device may be repeatedly effected without disturbing the hermetic sealing of the container. This constitutes an important feature of my invention.

This modified form of my invention comprises an hermetically sealed container itl having lead wires |32, 03 extending through and sealed in its base |33. Disposed within the container lul is a U-shaped bracket W5, the legs ill@ and mi( of which are adapted to engage the inner wall surface or the container. Secured to bracket E35 as by rivets H33, and assembled in the order named, as clearly shown in Fig. 17, are an insulating member lid, a thermo-sensitive member lll, a spring member H2, an insulating member llt, and a metal plate lili. Thermosensitive member ill curves upwardly and outwardly from bracket |35 and insulation member Mil, and is provided with an angularly extending upper end portion having a contact lle secured thereto. The lower end portion of spring member H2 is in electrical contact with the thermo-sensitive member lli and has a broad upper end portion adapted to engage the wall of container lili opposite the engagement thereof by the legs of bracket ille. The frictional engagement of` the container wall by bracket it and spring l l2 under the action of the latter, together with leads |32 and |133, serve to support the entire switch assembly interiorly of the container lili in the position shown in Fig. 17. Lead |133 is connected to the lower end of spring member |112 and lead m2 is connected to leg lul of bracket |35.

Legs |33 and itil of the bracket are respectively provided with aligned openings H6 and lll'. The wall of opening H6 is provided with ine screw thread, while the wall of opening lill is unthreaded. A contact rod H8 having a ne screw thread llt' on its upper portion is adapted to cooperate with the threaded wall of opening H6, extends through the two openings HS and lll, the latter of which provides a small amount of play for rod I |8 and serves as a guide therefor. Mounted on the upper end of rod H3 and, in the construction shown, rlxedly secured thereto, is a biased or inclined faced contact member H9 adapted to cooperate with contact H5 for purposes of adjustment and for making contact. It will be understood that I might provide member H9 with suitable threadsjo co-.Y

H3' on rod H8, in be mounted in xed position in respect to bracket |05. Fixedly secured to the lower portion of member H9 is an annular disc |26 through which rod H3 passes. The outer peripheral surface of disc |26 is` slightly roughened as by a series of ne parallel scratches or grooves |23 and is adapted to be lightly engaged by the sharpened tip |28 of a weak spring locking member |29 to prevent inadvertent rotation of member ||9 and rod H8. Spring member |29 is formed of magnetic material. Fixedly secured to the top of member H9 is member |2|l of magnetic material having pole operate with the threads shoes |2l and |22 respectively conforming to and disposed adjacent the wall of the container.

The control device just described is adjusted by placing the same in a calorimeter or bath of predetermined temperature, and after the thermo-sensitive member lll has become stabilized at the predetermined temperature, the contact member H3 is rotated until it engages contact M5. This is done by placing a powerful magnet, indicated at |23, with its pole pieces |23, |25 (which conform to the wall of container II) closely adjacent to the outer wall surface of the container lill and in alignment with pole shoes |2| and |22, as is clearly shown in Fig. 21, then slowly rotating the magnet |23, so as to slowly change vthe direction of the magnetic lines of force, and at the same time gently vibrating the control device as by an electric buzzer to dislodge the tip E23 of spring locking member |29 from engagement with grooves or serrations |23 of disc |123, whereupon the contact member H3 and rod H8 will be correspondingly rotated. instead oi employing a vibration to dislodge tip |23 from engagement with grooves i2ll, may so dispose a strong magnet (not shown) externally of the container as to ex spring 'H29 away from disc V23. By reason of the cooperation of the threads H8' on rod il@ with vthe threads on the wall of opening HG, contact member il@ will upon such rotation' thereof, be moved in respect to contact tip ll, and depending upon the direction of the rotation, the biased portion of member il@ will effect relative adjustment of the point of contact between contacts il@ and M5. After the control device has thus been adjusted to operate at a selected temperaturethe magnet is removed and vibration of the control device is discontinued. The contact member H9 will then be locked in fixed position by reason of the engagement of the threads lill' with the threads on the wall of opening M6, together with the engagement of the grooves |2l by tip |23. It will be obvious, that if desired, and either before or after the use of the control device, re-

peated adjustments and settings of the control device may be made in the manner above described.

Upon adjustment of the control device, the path of theelectrical circuit therein is as follows:

From lead |63 through springamember H2,

thermo-sensitive member contact H5, con' tact. H9, rod H8, and bracket |35, to lead H32.l

It will be noted that spring H2 and thermo-sensitive member are insulated from bracket |05 and rivets |09 by insulating members Il and H3, which insulating members, as clearly shown in Fig. 20, have portions extending partly across the enlarged openings provided in members I`|| and H2 for rivets |09 and, in effect, serving as insulating bushings for such rivets.

That form of control device shown in Figs. 22 to 27, as in the two modied forms last above described, is of such construction that'the adjustment and locking or setting thereof may be repeatedly eiected after use and without disturbing the hermetic sealing of the container.

The device shown in Figs. 22 to 2'7 comprises a hermetically sealed container |30 having lead wires I3| and |32 extending through and sealed in its base |33. Disposed within the container |30 is a frame comprising two parallel side members |34 and |35, one extremity of each of `said members being bevelled or cut on an incline to provide cam or biased surfaces |36 and |36.

aioaeor Adjacent the other extremity thereof said members are connected by a bottom piece |31, preferably formed integrally therewith, the end portions of said bottom |31 being bent to form upstanding flanges |38 and |39 which extend substantially across and between the two side members |34 and |35. (See Figs. 22 and 27.) `A spacing member |43` is also disposed between side members |313 and |35 adjacent the biased ends of the latter.

An insulating member |4| is disposed and snugly fits in the space between the side members |34 and |35 and the flanges |33 and |39, and is supported by the bottom piece |31. The bottom portion of insulating block |4| is recessed at |42, and the top portion thereof is slotted at |43 for purposes which will presently be apparent.

A thermo-sensitive member |44, having a suitable contact tip |45 is secured against the lower surface of bottom piece |31. A strong spring member |46 formed of conductive material is disposed in engagement with member |44, both of said members being xedly secured to bottom piece |31 by rivets |41. Member |45 extends well beyond the bottom piece |31 and is oi'set and biased to engage the inner surface of container |39, the extending portion of said member |46 being connected with lead wire |32 as indicated at |48.

A spring member |49 formed of conducting material has one end portion disposed and snugly fitting in slot |43 of block MI, the other end portion thereof extending well beyond said block toward the inclined or biased ends |36 and |36 of the side members |35 and |34 and being biased toward member |44. A conductive member |59 has one end thereof suitably secured, as by Spotwelding, to the extending end portion of member |49. The other end of member |55 is provided with a suitable Contact tip which is disposed in alignment with, and is adapted under the biasing iniluence of spring |43, to make contact with contact tip |45. A strong spring member |52 is also disposed and snugly ts in slot |43 just above member |49, and has extending end portions |53 and |54 which are biased away from the insulating block |4| and are adapted frictionally to engage the' inner surface of container |30. It will be apparent that the extending end portions of members |45 and 52 and the lead wires |3| and |32 cooperate in maintaining the entire switch assembly within the container in the position shown in Fig. 22. The extending end portion |53 of member |52 is connected with lead wire 53| within the container |33.

A rod |55 is slidably mounted for limited longitudinal movement in suitable aligned openings |55a and |55b provided in anges |38 and |39 respectively (see Fig. 22). As clearly shown in Fig. 25, rod |55 extends through the recess |42 in insulating block |4|, and has an enlarged portion providing a shoulder |56 within such recess. To the outer end of the enlarged portion of rod |55 is secured a spring member |51 which is biased toward member |44 and which extends within the space between side members |34, |35 to a point substantially between and adjacent the biased end surfaces |35 and |36. Secured to the outer end of member |51 as by spot-welding, is a member |58 having flanged portions |59 and |63 which extend between and are but slightly spaced from side members |34 and |35 and are adjacent t-o the biased or cam surfaces |35 and |36' thereof. A member |6| formed of insulating material is mounted on a pin |52 extending transversely of the flanges |52 and |50. Insulating member |5| is provided with a boss |63 which engages and is secured to the outer extremity of mei 1ber i5?. The ends of pin |62 extend outwardly beyond the iianges |59 and |59 and project over so as to be adapted'to be engaged by the biased or cam surfaces |35 and |35 under the pressure of spring |51.

Rod |55 extends beyond iiange |33 toward the container base |33 and has the end portion thereof threaded as at |35. A nut |56 formed of magnetic material, is provided with an extension |61 which is internally threaded so as to be adapted to cooperate with the thread |35 on rod |55. Se-

cured to nut IGS is a disc |59, the lateral surface of which is roughened as by fine and preferably parailel serraticns |19. Nut |55 is provided with an extension |1| on which disc |55 is xedly mounted and which is adapted to engage ange |38 when the nut is operating position on the rod |55. A comparatively weak spring locking member |12 formed of magnetic material, is secured to side member |35 and is provided with a sharp tip |13 biased for light engagement with serraticns |19 of disc |69, to thereby set or lock the nut UBS in position on shaft |55. However, as was explained in respect to the modified form last above described, nut 65 may be rotated upon shaft |55 by positioning a powerful magnet with its poles disposed externally of the container and in a position to cause amagnetic flux substantially parallel to the comparatively broad lateral surfaces |14 and |15 of nut |66 and then slowly rotating the magnet, and at the same time either gently vibrating the control device as by an electric buzzer not shown) or positioning a powerful magnet externally of the container and adjacent spring H2 to release tip |13 from engagement with serrations |15. It is obvious that upon such Vibration of the control device a corresponding vibration or slight oscillation will be imparted to weak spring locking member |12 which will sulce to release the tin |13 from locking engagement with the shallow serrations so as to permit the tip to skip or skid over the serrations |18 as the nut is rotated under the inuence of the magnet upon rotation of the latter, as above described.

A coiled spring is disposed around rod |55 (see Fig. 22) and is under suiiicient compression to slide the rod and the members assembled thereon in the direction of the biased surfaces |36, |36', it being understood that the extension |1| of nut |66 bearing upon flange |38 prevents any such sliding movement except when the nut is so rotated as to be moved on rod |55 toward the container base |33. Spring |16 is held in its compressed state within the cutaway portion |42 of block |4| by engagement at one end with shoulder |56 of rod |55 and by engagement at the other end with the inner surface of flange |38. A stop lug |11 on rod |55 limits the longitudinal movement of such rod under the influence of spring |13.

It will be obvious that if nut |66 is rotated on shaft |55 in a direction for effecting movement of the nut toward the left hand end of the shaft (referring to Fig. 22), then thek shaft, spring member |51 and insulation member |6| will be moved by spring |15 toward contact tips |45 and |5l. If on the other hand nut |66 is rotated in the opposite direction, then the rod |55 together with spring member |51 and insulation member |6| will be moved to the left or away from contact tips and |5i, by reason of engagement of the extension |i| with flange |30. It will also be obvious that when the rod |55 is moved longitudinally in one direction or the other, the ends of pin |62 which are respectively in engagement with the cam or biased inclined end surfaces |96 andA |36 will be raised or lowered accordingly, as will also insulating member |6| which is in engagement with, and supports, against the biasing influence of spring |69, the member |50 carrying contact tip i5 Hence contact tip |5| may be moved into or away from engagement with contact tip |05 at will by rotating nut |96.

' engagement The control device just described is adjusted by placing the same in a bath maintained at a suitable temperature, and after the thermo-sensitive member has become stabilized at the desired predetermined temperature, rotating the nut |09 on shaft in the proper direction an amount suicient to bring contact tip ii into engagement with contact tip |05. .As hereinbefore indicated, nut |80 may be rotated without breaking the seal of the container. by using a powerful magnet, as shown in Fig. 21. After the control device has been thus adjusted to operate at the selected temperature the magnet is removed, and the nut |66 is locked or set by reason of the of the tip |13 with one of the serrations |10 It is obvious that repeated adjustments may be made, either before or after use of the control device.

Upon proper adjustment of the control device, the path of the electrical circuit therein is as follows: From lead |32 through member |09, thermo-sensitive member |00, contact tip |05, contact tip |5|, member |50, member |09 and member |52 to lead |9i. It is to be noted that the insulating block |0| and insulating member i9! electrically insulate that side of the said circuit which includes lead |3| and contact |5| from the side thereof which includes lead |32 and contact |05, except through engagement of said contacts.

In any of the various forms of control devices embodying my invention, the adjustment thereof, and in the case of any of the modifications shown lin Figs. l to 5A, and Figs. 6 to 10, the setting or locking thereof in adjustment as well, may be facilitated by connecting the control device in V a suitable electric circuit.

I may use a circuit such as shown in Fig. 28 in the adjustment of any of my control devices and also for the setting or locking of that form of control device shown in Figs. 6 to l0. Referring to Fig. 28, reference character |90 represents a suitable source of electric energy, such as a storage battery, having one pole thereof connected by a conductor |8| to a signal device |82, such as an electric lamp, which is shunted across a normally open switch |83. Reference character |84 represents a conductor ,which has a series resistance therein and which connects the switch |83 to one terminal or lead-in-wire |86 ofthe control device |81. Said device has an internal circuit comprising lead-in-wires |80 and |92, contact members |88 and |89, fusible link |90, and suitable connecting conductors, such internal circuit being that of the control device shown in Figs. 6 to 10. Lead-in-wire |92 of the control device |81 is connected by a conductor IBI to that pole of battery |80 which is opposite to the pole connected to conductor |8|.

In the circuit arrangement just described and with the switch |83 open, the contact members amato? |80 and |09 of the control device |0! are adjusted to make or break contact at a predetermined temperature, in a manner hereinbefore explained. Thereupon signal |02 will indicate that contact is made or broken, as the case may be. I desire to make it clear that the circuit shown in Fig. 28 may be used, as just described, in adjusting any or all the various control devices embodying my invention, to obtain a signal when proper adjustment of the control device is eiected. The specinc form of control device shown in Figs. 6 to l0, however, may after being properly adjusted when connected in the circuit shown in Fig. 28, then be locked or set in adjustment merely by closing the switch |03. The signal |62, which is of comparatively high resistance, will thus be toy-passed. This reduces the resistance of the circuit which includes the fusible link 90, thereby permitting suiiicient current to ow to fuse such link and effecting the permanent setting or locking of the control device in the desired adjustment. The purpose of prevent too great a ow of current in the circuit of link upon closing the switch |83, as I have found that without this resistance enough heat may be generated to cause contacts |88 and |09 to be fused together or to otherwise damage the control device. The resistance |05 should be such as to permit suicient current to flow in the circuit of link |90 to fuse the latter, and at the same time to prevent the generation of such heat within the control -device as would be likely to damage the latter.

In Fig. 29 is shown a circuit which may be employed in adjusting and seting the form of control device shown in Figs. 1 to 5A. It will be understood that this form of control device could also be adjusted, although not readily set or locked in adjustment when connected in the circuit shown in Fig. 28. Referring to Fig. 29, reference charresistance |05 is toy acter |93 represents a suitable source of electric energy such as a storage battery. A conductor |90 connects one pole of said battery to the lead-inwire or terminal |95 of the control device |96. A suitable signal device |97 such as an electric lamp, is connected in series in conductor l 9d." The other pole of battery |93 is connected by a conductor |98 to the lead-in-wire or terminal |90 of the control device. The third lead-in-wire or terminal 200 of the control device |96 (corresponding to the device shown in Figs. 1 to 5A) is connected to the fusible link 20| internally of the control device. Externally of the control device lead-inwire 200 is connected to a conductor 202 having in series therewith a suitable resistance 203. Conductor 202 is adapted to be connected to conductor |90 through a normally open switch 200. Internally of the control device contacts 205 and 200 are respectively connected to lead-in-wires |05 and |99, and fusible link 20| is connected to a conductor 20| which in turn is also connected to lead-in-wire |99. Thus the branch of the circuit comprising switch 200, resistance 203, conductor 202, lead-in-wire 200, fusible link 20| and conductor 207 is in parallel relation to the side or branch circuit comprising conductor |90, signal device |97, lead-in-wire |95 and contacts 205 and 206, and the latter branch may be shunted by closing the switch 200.

Upon effecting proper adjustment of the control device |98 as heretofore explained, when the same is connected in the circuit shown in Fig. 29,

link 20d to fuse the latter and thereby eect the setting or locking of the control device in the de= sired adjustment. Resistance 203 should be of an. amount to permit the passage of a current of sufcient strength to fuse link 20E, but at the same time to so limit the strength of the current as to prevent the generation of such a degree of heat within the control device as would be likely to re= sult in damage to the latter.

Thus in adjusting any form of my control device when connected in either of the circuits shown in Figs. 28 and 29, a denite signal will be given when the contact members are in the proper and desired relative position. Also should the control device shown in Figs. 6 to 10 be connected in the circuit shown in Fig. 28, such control device may thereupon be fixedly set or locked in adjustment by throwing the switch |83 so as to fuse link itil and thereby release the locking means of the control device. Likewise should the form of control device shown in Figs. 1 to 5A be connected in the circuit shown in Fig. 29, such control device may be set or locked in the proper and desired adjustment by throwing the switch 204 so as to fuse link 20| and release the locking member of the control device.

As various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of parts included in the above described preferred embodiments, without departing from the scope and spirit of my invention, all matter herein contained is intended to be considered as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, what 'I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure mounted within said container andacomprising a thermo-sensitive member and a plurality of electrical contacts, at least one of said contacts being movable under the iniiuence of said member, and at least one of said contacts being mounted for adjustment in respect to said movable contact, and means for effecting the locking of said adjustable contact in adjustment with the seal of said container intact.

2. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure mounted within said container, said structure comprising electrical contacts adapted to openror close an electrical circuit, one of said contacts being movable under thermal influence, another of said contacts being mounted for adjustment in respect to said movable contact, and means for locking said adjustable contact in desired adjustment, said means being operable while the seal of said container is intact.

3. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising a thermo-sensitive member, a pair of electrical contacts, one of said contacts being movable under the influence of said member, another of said contacts being adjustable in respect to said movable contact, means .for adjusting the latter contact, and means for locking the adjustable contact in adjusted position, said adjusting and locking means being respectively operable at will while said switching structure is sealed within said container.

4. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising a pair of electrical contactsadapted to engage and disengage each other, means for adjusting one ofsaid contacts in respect to the other, and means for locking said adjustable contact in adjusted position,

said locking means being operable without b'nealsl ing the seal of said container.

5. In a device of the class described, in com= hination, a sealed container, a switching struc-a ture within said container, said structure comprising a thermo-sensitive member, a piuraiity of electrical contacts, at least one of said con= tacts being movable under the influence oi said member and another one of said contacts being mounted for adjustment in respect to said rnov-n able contact, and a locking member adapted to lock said adjustable contact, and a high re sistance fusible link adapted to hold said locking member out of locking position, said fusibile link before fusing thereof being electrically in circuit with certain of the parts oi the switching strucl ture.

6. In a device or" the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure disposed within said container and having leads extending exteriorly of the container, said structure conan' prising a plurality of electrical contacts, at least one of said contacts being adjustable in respect to another of said contacts, a member adapted normally to lock said adjustable contact in adjustment, and a high resistance fusible member for securing said locking member in unlocking relation, said link before fusing thereof being electrically in circuit with certain of the switching structure parts including at least two of said leads. l

7. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a; switching structure within said con= tainer, said structure comprising a movable electrical contact member, an electrical contact member adjustable in respectto said movable contact member, and an element adapted to lock said adjustable contact member in adjusted position, said element being controllable to eifect movement thereof either to or from locking position at will. l

8. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising a pair of electrical contact members, one of said contact members being adjustable in respect to the other, said adjustable contact member being arranged to constitute part of an electric circuit, an element adapted to lock the adjustable contact member in adjusted position, means comprising a high resistance fusible link adapted to hold said locking element out of locking position, said link being arranged to constitute part of an electric circuit which includes a portion of said first-named electric circuit but which by-passes said adjustable contact member.

9. In a device of the class described, a switching structure sealed within a container, said structure comprising electrical contacts, one oi said contacts being adjustable in respect to another, and a spring member adapted to lock said adjustable contact -in adjusted position, and means for rendering said spring member ineffective to lock said adjustable contact.

10. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching device within said container comprising electrical contact members, one of said members being mounted for adjustment in respect to another, a spring element adapted to lock said adjustable member in adjusted position, said spring element being biased to locking position, and means for maintaining said spring element vout of locking position and controllable to release said spring element.

11.- In a device of the class described, a sealed f container, a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising a pair of electrical contact members, one of said members being adjustably mounted in respect to the other, means for locking said adjustable member in adjusted position, and means for holding said locking means inoperative, said holding means comprising magnetic material and being operable to release said locking means under the inuence of a magnet positioned exteriorly of said container.

12. In a device of the class described, a sealedcontainer, a switching structure within said container comprising electrical contact members, one of said members being adjustable in respect to another of said members, resilient means adapted to lock said adjustable member in adjusted position, and means comprising magnetic material adapted to hold said locking means out of locking position, said latter means being operable to release said locking means under the influence of a magnet positioned exteriorly of said sealed container.

13. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising a plurality of electrical contact members, at least one of said members being adjustable in respect to another of said members and being adapted to be adjusted within said sealed container, means for locking said adjustable member in adjustment comprising a resilient element, and means formed of magnetic material associated with said resilient element and adapted to hold said locking means out of flocking position.

14. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure mounted within said container, said switching structure comprising electrical contact members, one of said members being adjustable in respect to another, and means comprising magnetic material for adjusting said adjustable member, said means being operable under the iniiuence of a magnet placed exteriorly of said container.

15. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising electrical contact members, one of said members being adjustable in respect to another, means for adjusting said adjustable member, said means comprising an element of magnetic material, and means for locking said adjusting means.

16. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising electrical contact members, one of said members being adjustable in respect to another, means for adjusting said adjustable member, said means comprising an element of magnetic material, and means for locking said adjusting means, said locking means comprising a resilient device and being adapted to be released from locking position by vibration of the container.

17. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising electrical contact members, one of said members being adjustable in respect to another, means for adjusting said adjustable member, said means comprising an element of magnetic material, and means for locking said adjusting means, said locking means being adapted to be released from locking position by vibration of the container and to automatically assume locking position upon cessation of vibration.

18. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising electrical contact members, one of said members being adjustable in respect to another, means for ad- 5 justing said adjustable member, said means comprising an element of magnetic material, and means for locking said adjusting means, said locking means comprising magnetic material and being adapted to be released from locking position under the influence of a magnet.

19. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure within 'said container, said structure comprising electrical contact members, one of said members being adjustable in respect to another, means for adjusting said adjustable member, and means for locking said adjusting means, said locking means comprising magnetic material and being adapted to be released from locking position under the inuence of a magnet and to automatically assume said position upon removal of such magnetic influence.

20. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching structure sealed within said container, said structure comprising a plurality of electrical contact members, at least one of said members being adjustable in respect to another, and means for adjusting one of said members in respect to another, said means comprising magnetic material.

21. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching device Within said container, said switching device comprising a plurality of electrical contact members, a thermo-sensitive member, at least one of said contact members being movable under the influence of said thermo-sensitive member and at least one of said contact members being adjustable in respect to said movable member, and means for adjusting said adjustable member, said means including a cam surface, a member for engaging such surface, and means for changing the relative position of said last-named member and said surface in respect to each other.

22. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, a switching device Within said container, said switching device comprising a pair of electrical contact members, a thermo-sensitive member, one of said Contact members being movable under the inuence of said thermo-sensitive member and one of said contact members being adjustable in respect to said movable member, and means for adjusting said adjustable member, said means comprising an element provided with a biasing surface, a member for engaging such surface, and means comprising a slidably mounted member for changing the position of said engaging member in respect to said surface.

23. The method of producing a device of the class described, which consists in sealing within a container an adjustable switching structure having means for locking the same in adjustment and means comprising a member of high resistance electrical conducting material holding said locking means inoperative, then adjusting said switching structure, and then releasing said locking means by fusing said member.

24. The method of producing a device of the clam described, which consists in disposing within a container a switching structure comprising an adjustable contact member, then sealing said container, then subjecting said container to vibration, and then adjusting said member while said container is vibrating.

25. The method of producing a device of the it? amar-.or

class described, which consists in sealing a container a switching structure having an adjustable electrical contact member, a member biased to lock said contact member against afdjustznent and magnetic means hoiding said locking member inoperative, then adjusting said contact '.nember to desired position and then disposing a magnet externally ci the container and adjacent said holding means to render the latter inoperative so as to release said .locking member and eiect the locking oi said contact member in adjusted position.

26. The method oi producing a device of the class described, which consists in disposing within a container' a switching structure having an adjustable magnetic element, then sealing said container, then adjusting said magnetic element by moving a magnet externally of the container and adjacent such element.

27. The method of producing a device of the class described, which consists in disposing within a container a switching structure having an adjustable magnetic element and a member biased to lock such element against adjustment, sealing said container, then rendering said locking member ineiective by vibrating said container While moving a magnet externally of the sealed container and adjacent to said adjustable element to eiect movement of the adjustable element to desired position, and then discontinuing the vibration of said container so as to render said locking member eiective.

28. The method of producing a device of the class described, whichconsists in placing within a container an adjustable switching structure having magnetic means biased to lock the same against adjustment, sealing said container, then positioning a magnet externally of the sealed container and adjacent to said magnetic locking means to render the latter ineffective, then adjusting said switching structure as desired, and then removing said magnet to release said locking means and permit the same to lock said switching structure in adjustment.

29. In a device of the class described, a sealed container and a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising electrical contact members for engagement at a predetermined point, an element having a biased face, another element for engaging said biased face and means operable while said container is sealed for moving one of said elements to effect a change in the point of engagement of said contact members.

30. In a device of the class described, a closed container and a switching structure Within said container, said structure comprising an adjustable electrical contact, means for adjusting said contact to a desired position within said closed container, and means operable within said ciosed container to lock and to unlock at will said contact in adjusted position.

3i. In a device of the class described, a sealed container and a. switching structure within said container, said structure comprising electrical contact members, one of said members being spring inuenced toward a position in respect to engagement with another oi said members and means operable while said container is sealed ior adjusting one oi said members in respect to the other, said means including an inclined surrace and a member adapted to cooperate with said surface to effect a change of position ci said spring influenced contact member.

32. In a device ci the ciass described, a sealed container and a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising an electrical contact member resiliently inluenced toward a given position within said container, a biased surface, and means operable while said container is sealed for cooperating with said biased surface to determine the position of said resiliently inuenced member within said container.

33. In a device of the class described, a sealed container and a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising electrical contact members, one of which members is spring influenced and adjustable in respect to another of said members, and means operable while said container is sealed for adjusting said spring influenced member, said means comprising a cam surface.

34. In a device of the class described, a sealed container and a switching structure within said container, said structure comprising an adjustable electrical contact member and means operable while said container is sealed for adjusting said member, said means comprising a resilient element and a cam surface.

35. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, an adjustable switching structure within said container, means for adjusting said switching structure and means within said sealed container 'for positively locking said switching structure in adjustment.

36. In a device of the class described, a sealed container, and a switching structure within said sealed container, said structure comprising relatively movable cooperative contacts and thermosensitive means for controlling the switching action of such structure, means for adjusting said structure to vary the control of such switching action by said thermo-sensitive means, means actuatable while the said container is sealed to effect the positive locking of said structure in selected adjustment, and said locking means being within said sealed container.

CHARLES W. DANN. 

